Schaumburg DUI Defense Lawyer

A DUI arrest can lead to more than just shame in front of your family and embarrassment at your workplace. It can also lead to the loss of a job due to the suspension or revocation of your driver's license. At Glasgow, Beattie, Olsson, our Schaumburg DUI defense lawyers have helped thousands of people throughout Illinois meet the challenges of a DUI arrest.

A DUI is very serious and requires immediate action. Contact an attorney at our firm today to discuss the time constraints that may be applicable to your case. For a free initial consultation you can reach us at (847) 577-8700.

Consequences of a DUI

A DUI (driving under the influence) is also sometimes known as a DWI or drunk driving. Regardless of the terminology, the punishments are the same. Most DUI charges are Class A misdemeanors. This means that they are punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Court costs and treatment can easily double or triple the amount of your fine. In contrast, felony DUI charges can result in a long prison sentence.

With any DUI arrest, you also face a civil case that will lead to summary suspension of your driver's license. If you are convicted of the DUI charge, your driver's license will be revoked.

The loss of your driver's license, or license suspension, can have a profound effect on your life, especially in the northwest Chicago suburbs, where mass transit is not readily available. The sooner you contact our drunk driving defense lawyers, the sooner we can go to work to protect your ability to drive.

There are several things we can do to fight a DUI charge, such as:

File motions to dismiss the charges. If the stop was illegal, or police had no probable cause to arrest you, we can file a motion to dismiss the DUI charges. If the judge agrees, the charges will be dismissed.

Trial by judge or jury. If you did not take a breathalyzer test, we can help challenge the account given by the arresting officer. Moreover, if you did take the breathalyzer test, we can challenge the results. Please note that if you are found not-guilty, and do not have any prior arrests on your record, our lawyers can also apply for an expungement to take the DUI arrest off your permanent record.

Apply for supervision. This is a special dispensation available to first-time offenders in Illinois. If you plead guilty, or are found guilty after a trial, the judge will give you a period of time to complete alcohol treatment, listen to a victim impact panel, and meet other court requirements. If you complete the program successfully, the judge will dismiss the case. While the arrest will stay your record, it will not be labeled as a conviction under Illinois law.

We want to hear about your case to see how we can help you. Contact a DUI defense lawyer NOW. Se habla español. Please call (847) 577-8700. We serve clients in Chicago and the surrounding suburban areas.

Thomas Glasgow tried thousands of DUI cases as both a Cook County prosecutor and as a criminal defense attorney. He was the author and instructor for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education course on aggravated or felony DUI for other attorneys, prosecutors, and judges.